Diabetes treated by a Functional Medicine Approach

As the rate of type 2 diabetes soars we are often asked “what are the most important supplements I should be taking to help improve blood sugar or reverse type 2 diabetes?”

It’s a great question. We looked at the functional medicine approach to help address the root cause of blood sugar issues. There are dozens of natural supplements that have been shown through research, clinical trials, and case studies to have clear benefits regarding blood sugar and diabetes improvement.

Here are the top ten supplements that you may want to consider using to help support healthy blood sugar levels:

Chromium Polynicotinate – Chromium improves insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin resistance, and improves glucose uptake. Dozens of studies have shown the benefits of chromium on blood sugar and diabetes.

Biotin – Combined with chromium, biotin has been shown to improve carbohydrate metabolism, reduce blood sugar levels and create more insulin sensitivity. It addition, it has been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Vanadyl Sulfate – Improves glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and mimics the activity of insulin directly stimulating insulin receptors.

Omega 3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA) – Reduces inflammation, protects the lining of the blood vessels, prevents blood clots, enhances circulation, improves hormone sensitivity, lifts mood, improves attention, and nourishes the brain.

Gymnema Sylvestre – Ayurvedic herb used for blood sugar regulation since 600 BCE. Decreases absorption of glucose in the blood, blocks the taste of sugar and may help with appetite control and sugar cravings. Studies have shown a possible effect of regenerating beta cells in the pancreas.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Powerful antioxidant for both fat and water soluble toxins. Enhanced energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. Improves insulin sensitivity, prevents against glycation from elevated sugar.? Effectively improves the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Bitter Melon (gourd) – Contains compounds that improve blood sugar metabolism, and transport glucose into the cells. Inhibits enzyme that breakdown carbohydrates into smaller pieces for absorption. Improves insulin resistance and prevents diabetic complications.

Cinnamon extract – Slows the gastric emptying time, delaying the glycemic response. Improves insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin resistance, and acts as an antioxidant protecting the cell membranes. Contains a bioactive component with “insulin-like” properties.

Berberine – Plant alkaloid that is used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to reduce blood sugar levels. Helps prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, by activating AMPK, which stimulates uptake of sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. Also reduces glucose production in the liver.

Green Tea extract – Rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that reduce inflammation, increase insulin activity, and prevent type 2 diabetes. Also helps to reduce blood pressure, improve metabolism, reduces glucose absorption in the gut, and limits the liver’s production of glucose.

There are also several essential oils, which have been shown to have positive benefits in controlling blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity, including cinnamon, clove, coriander, lavender, black pepper, and grapefruit oils.

Having a few safe, natural, and therapeutic supplements in your daily health routine can be incredibly effective. Considering the potentially toxic effects of any of the drugs prescribed today, these can be helpful tools to improve body function without the dangerous side effects.